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Wind advisory issued for Hawaii Island

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a wind advisory for all of Hawaii Island through 6 p.m. today.

North to northeast winds are accelerating around and over the Big Island leading to locally strong winds, forecasters say. The service anticipates northeast winds around 20 mph to 35 mph with gusts reaching 50 mph.

Forecasters warn that winds this strong can bring down tree branches. Reports of downed albizia trees and limbs have already been received from the Puna District, according to the service, which noted some of the limbs have fallen on power lines, resulting in localized power outages.

The Mauna Kea Access Road is currently open, according to the Mauna Kea Weather Center. Rangers recommend a four-wheel-drive vehicle when traveling beyond the Visitor Information Station. The current temperature at the summit is 20.6 degrees.

A wind advisory means that sustained winds of at least 30 mph or gusts of at least 50 mph are expected. Motorists are advised to use extra caution.